Alva Business Manager Stephen Ford (left) and Alva Chamber Co-Director Magen Lehr (right) discuss the placement of a large Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn with Woods County Commissioners. At the table are commissioners John Smiley (front) and David Hamil.
Magen Lehr, co-director of the Alva Chamber of Commerce, attended the Woods County Commissioners meeting Monday morning to discuss placement of a large Christmas tree. Alva Business Manager Stephen Ford arrived a few minutes later.
Lehr said a resident has a spruce tree that is 20 feet tall that they are giving to the Chamber. She wanted to place the tree near the stage at the west side of the courthouse, digging a hole and installing a pipe to support it. She said the tree would be carried across the lawn to the location. The pipe would be removed and the hole filled in afterward.
Commissioner Randy McMurphy objected to the location because he doesn't want any heavy equipment on the courthouse lawn. He said it should be placed near the street where a telehandler truck could reach from the street.
Having experience with the large Christmas tree installed each year in Freedom, McMurphy recommended they install a bigger pipe permanently and cap it off at ground level after the tree is removed so it won't interfere with mowing.
He also wanted guy wires installed to support the tree. He said they should be decorated so they are visible to keep people from running into them. McMurphy said the tree could go on the south side of the courthouse lawn where there is an open area.
Lehr and Ford agreed to that location, and the commissioners approved the installation along with other Christmas decorations. The Chamber is planning a tree lighting ceremony like the ones previously held after Thanksgiving. However, this one will be on Friday, Dec. 6, to kick off the weekend Christmas events. Alva Mayor Kelly Parker is scheduled to throw the switch turning on the lights.
In addition to Chairman McMurphy, Commissioners David Hamil and John Smiley were present for the meeting. County Clerk Shelley Reed was also in attendance. In addition to Lehr and Ford, visitors were Commissioner-elect Shane Vore and Alex Mantz of OG&E.
The commissioners approved the following monthly report: Election Board Balance$11,739.67.
A letter of support for OCCEDB's (Oklahoma Cooperative Circuit Engineering District Board) grant proposal for a federal LCTM (low carbon transportation materials program) grant was approved by the commissioners.
On the new building site for the senior citizens center in Alva, the commissioners approved a Pinnacle topographic survey at a cost of $5,000 to come from ARPA funds. The site is in Block 20 of the Original Townsite of Alva on Choctaw St. just east of the old Armory. McMurphy said their quote was $500 less than the other surveyor. The survey give engineers the information needed to determine water drainage at the site.
Previously the commissioners approved Enviro-Tech to do an environmental survey at the same location. This survey will show what might be underground at the location. Hamil said he talked to them, and there was a delay because they need to contract out for the work.
The commissioners voted to approve requisition and receiving officers for the Sheriff's Office. Randel McCullough and David Cummings are requisition officers while Shannon Morris and Dakota Davis are receiving officers.
Under new business, the commissioners acknowledged a letter from Sheriff McCullough stating that David Cummings has been named as undersheriff.
The commissioners also approved minutes of previous meetings and blanket purchase orders.
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